Tesla Motors (TSLA+1.5%) plans to unveil its luxury SUV crossover Model X tonight in its L.A. design studio. Whether or not the new model scores a hit with consumers, Edmunds editor John O'Dell questions the automaker's long term success as a producer of only electric vehicles. He notes that to succeed Tesla will have to "become a permanent partner of someone else or part of someone else — the electric car arm of XYZ — or it's going to have to find a market selling its expertise."

"the $109,000 Roadster — but its bread and butter will increasingly be in lower-price vehicles, parts and tech expertise.

The Palo Alto, Calif., startup is set to unveil its luxury SUV crossover Model X on Thursday in Los Angeles. Its price is seen in roughly the same ballpark as the $57,400 Model S sedan starting deliveries in July."

I still can't believe these vehicles get a $7500 tax credit. If you can afford to buy one, you can afford to buy one. Corporate welfare irritates me whatever form it takes.

I would also love all corporate welfare to vanish. From my end, it seemed that you were attacking Tesla while turning a blind eye to the rest. They shouldn't get a tax credit, but unfortunately, in this they and age, they need one in order to be competitive. Tesla isn't using the tax credit to make their cars seem cheaper, its using the tax credit to _relative_ to the alternative. I agree with you, it sucks. As for the Model S, some middle class can afford it.